Xenophobia unconstitutional

By unknown -
16 October 2007 - 02:00

The article "Hospital head is xenophobic" (Sowetan, October 11) refers. It is sad that people in high places still hold xenophobic attitudes towards foreigners. We remind Benny Moshobane, CEO of Kgapane Hospital, that our Constitution promotes tolerance and non-discrimination.

His comments are damaging because currently South Africa has a shortage of medical doctors (and other health workers). As a result we rely on qualified doctors from other countries to help us meet the skills shortage by providing a much-needed service.

It is totally unacceptable for a CEO to make derogatory and xenophobic statements. We hope the Department of Health will deal with the matter in a speedy and appropriate manner.

We must follow President Thabo Mbeki's lead. He has said we should learn to live with people from other countries.

That means respecting them and treating them the way we would want to be treated.

We must also not forget the sacrifices people in other countries made for South Africans during the apartheid years and the respect and recognition they gave us.